Month: March 2025

  • Session 16 – Secrets and Serpents in Cairo’s Shadows

    Session 16 – Secrets and Serpents in Cairo’s Shadows

    In this adrenaline-fueled session of our Masks of Nyarlathotep campaign, our intrepid band of investigators finds themselves in the heart of Cairo, unearthing a hidden mosque and its closely guarded relic. Between whispered rumors of a nefarious cult and tense midnight stakeouts, they soon discover that something far more horrific lurks beneath the city’s ancient streets. With the fate of a powerful artifact on the line, our heroes brace themselves to face both human conspirators and otherworldly monstrosities in a place where faith and fear collide.

    Key Characters Introduced

    • Ahmed al-Dhahabi– The dedicated caretaker of the mosque who reveals its secret artifact, meeting the investigators after a local worshipper vouches for them.
    • Mosque Guardians – A trio of sword-wielding defenders sworn to protect the Girdle, first encountered in the hidden chambers during the serpent creature’s attack.
    • Unnamed Worshipper – A passerby within the mosque who notices the foreigners and directs them to Ahmed, setting the stage for the group’s secret meeting.
    • Serpent Creature – A monstrous being that emerges from the shadows to assault the guardians, confronting the investigators during their late-night watch.

    Key Events

    1. Arriving at the Mosque
      • The investigators split up to quietly survey the building’s exterior.
      • A curious local worshipper notices their presence and leads them to speak with Ahmed Al-Habi.
    2. Revelation of the Girdle
      • Ahmed reveals that his mosque secretly guards the Girdle of Nitocris.
      • He explains the Brotherhood’s repeated attempts to seize the artifact.
      • The investigators agree to help protect the relic overnight.
    3. Preparing for the Night Watch
      • The group arranges a system of shifts to monitor the mosque’s hidden chambers.
      • Each member settles into makeshift sleeping areas to rest between watch rotations.
      • Tension rises as they anticipate an impending assault by cult forces.
    4. Serpent’s Sudden Attack
      • Strange scratching and clanging noises rouse the investigators during the final watch.
      • A monstrous serpent creature appears, attacking mosque guardians with frightening speed.
      • Gunfire and desperate melee ensue as the investigators fight alongside the mosque’s defenders.
    5. Triumph and Aftermath
      • The combined effort of the investigators and guardians brings the serpent down.
      • Its body dissolves into a foul, smoking residue, leaving behind no solid remains.
      • With the immediate threat quelled, the investigators are left to wonder what new horrors the Brotherhood may unleash next.

    Standout Moments

    • Alejandro
      • Agrees to Emerson’s plan to pretend he’s mute, causing a few comedic confusions.
      • Unloads multiple shots into the serpent creature, only to discover its near-impervious hide.
    • Bessie
      • Delivers the decisive point-blank shot that brings the serpent monster down.
      • Investigates the dissolving remains, undeterred by the bizarre and unsettling aftermath.
    • Virginia
      • Connects the dots between this serpent and a past encounter in New York, warning the team of its deadly potential.
      • Helps organize the group’s watches and first discovers suspicious noises in the corridors.
    • Emerson
      • Convinces Alejandro to maintain cover by feigning muteness, hoping for a subtle infiltration strategy.
      • Bravely leaps into the fray with his machete, despite suffering a string of near-miss attacks.
    • Omar
      • Ever the intrepid documentarian, snaps a photo mid-battle—camera in one hand and crowbar in the other.
      • Wrestles with the culture shock in the mosque while brandishing his trusty stogie.
    • Ezekiel
      • Stays focused during the late-night stakeout, ready to protect the Girdle at a moment’s notice.
      • Attempts several shots on the serpent, narrowly missing and highlighting just how elusive the creature is.

    With the monstrous serpent slain and only a sludgy residue left behind, the investigators stand victorious—but the Brotherhood’s ambitions are far from dead. As rumors of other hidden artifacts and ever more dangerous horrors surface, our heroes must press on, knowing each victory only pulls them deeper into the labyrinthine mysteries of the Masks of Nyarlathotep. Prepare for more terrifying encounters, cunning cultists, and desperate acts of heroism in our next thrilling session.

    If you want to get Masks of Nyarlathotep, please click the links below. It helps the channel out if you buy from these links!

    Investigators Handbook: https://amzn.to/4fHaRdi

    Keeper Rulebook: https://amzn.to/4dilnpG

    I use Fantasy Grounds for the automation and Virtual Table Top; please check them out here: http://affiliates.fantasygrounds.com/361781/15958

  • Session 15 – Unraveling Dark Secrets in Cairo: Investigating the Black Pharaoh and the Stolen Mummy

    Session 15 – Unraveling Dark Secrets in Cairo: Investigating the Black Pharaoh and the Stolen Mummy

    In this session of Masks of Nyarlathotep, the investigators review important clues. They discussed the Brotherhood’s possible role in stealing the mummy of Queen Nitocris. They also talked about suspicious events around the local pyramids. Contacts in Cairo warned them about Omar Al Shak Shakti, the dangerous leader of the Brotherhood. The group thought about secretly investigating his plantation. Warren Besart shared disturbing stories about the supernatural fate of the Carlyle Expedition at the Bent Pyramid, highlighting the serious danger they faced.

    The investigators then visited Dr. Ali Kafur at the Egyptian Museum. He gave them unsettling information about the Black Pharaoh. Dr. Kafur explained that ancient prophecies hinted the Black Pharaoh might soon return. This return could be connected to missing artifacts and Queen Nitocris’s stolen mummy. Dr. Kafur offered to help them understand some important texts they found. They agreed to meet again for further study. The session ended with the investigators feeling uneasy but determined to continue carefully.

    Key Characters Introduced

    • Dr. Ali Kafur – Egyptologist at the Egyptian Museum; knowledgeable about ancient Egyptian artifacts and myths, especially about the Black Pharaoh.
    • Omar Al Shak Shakti – Leader of the dangerous Brotherhood cult in Cairo; owns a heavily guarded plantation.
    • Queen Nitocris – Historical Egyptian queen whose stolen mummy may be crucial to the Black Pharaoh’s return (mentioned but not directly encountered).
    • Nephren-Ka (the Black Pharaoh) – A legendary, evil figure linked to ancient prophecies and dangerous cults; central to the investigators’ current inquiry (mentioned but not directly encountered).
    • Edward Gavigan – Current director of the Penhew Foundation, which is connected to suspicious activities and possibly involved with missing artifacts (mentioned but not directly encountered).

    Key Events

    1. Group Recap and Discussions in Cairo
      • Reviewed recent events involving Warren Besart and Faraz Najir.
      • Discussed the Brotherhood’s possible involvement in stealing Queen Nitocris’s mummy.
      • Considered plans to investigate Omar Al Shak Shakti’s plantation.
    2. Meeting with Informant Mahmoud
      • Mahmoud provided information about Omar’s heavily guarded plantation.
      • Mahmoud warned the investigators about Omar’s dangerous reputation in Cairo.
    3. Investigators Met Dr. Ali Kafur at the Egyptian Museum
      • Dr. Kafur warmly welcomed Ezekiel, indicating a prior acquaintance.
      • Shared detailed information about Nephren-Ka (the Black Pharaoh).
      • Explained the historical significance and prophecies related to Queen Nitocris.
      • Offered insight into stolen artifacts connected to potential supernatural events.
    4. Important Information from Dr. Kafur
      • Mentioned the Carlyle Expedition’s interest in the Black Pharaoh.
      • Confirmed that Queen Nitocris’s stolen mummy could trigger Nephren-Ka’s return.
      • Revealed possible supernatural protections within the museum.
    5. Agreement to Study Ancient Texts
      • Dr. Kafur agreed to help the group decipher significant occult texts.
      • Investigators debated which texts to study, choosing between two important manuscripts.
      • Scheduled multiple nights to study these texts in detail.

    Standout Moments

    1. Ezekiel – Reunited with Dr. Ali Kafur, deepening his understanding of the Black Pharaoh.
    2. Emerson – Experienced an unsettling moment witnessing Dr. Kafur’s supernatural door-opening ritual.
    3. Virginia – Learned critical details about the stolen mummy’s connection to prophecies from Dr. Kafur.
    4. Alejandro – Successfully interpreted historical texts about the Black Pharaoh at the museum.
    5. Bessie – Advocated for careful planning and caution about investigating Omar’s plantation.

    As darkness settles over Cairo, the investigators find themselves edging closer to ancient secrets that carry both promise and peril. With every discovery, the veil between sanity and madness grows thinner, challenging their resolve. The stage is set for even darker revelations in the sessions ahead.

    If you want to get Masks of Nyarlathotep, please click the links below. It helps the channel out if you buy from these links!

    Investigators Handbook: https://amzn.to/4fHaRdi

    Keeper Rulebook: https://amzn.to/4dilnpG

    I use Fantasy Grounds for the automation and Virtual Table Top; please check them out here: http://affiliates.fantasygrounds.com/361781/15958